Top 7 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2018
Traveling solo can be an exciting experience. It opens up a world of opportunities, changes your perspective, and gives you a chance to meet like-minded people. Choosing a destination is often the hardest part. Let’s take a look at the best places to travel alone in 2018!
Have you always wanted to travel the world — but on your own schedule?
While hitting the road with friends can be tons of fun, finding the best places to travel alone means that you don’t have to worry about anyone other than yourself.
There’s no itineraries, no packing lists, and no fighting over rooms and restaurant checks.
However, if you want to know where to travel alone, we know that safety — and having enough to do — is a huge priority.
This post is here to outline the places that you shouldn’t miss on your solo trip to “find yourself.”
Connect with your dream destination by reading on.
By the end of it, we’re sure that you’ll be ready to pack your bags and book your flight!
1. Reykjavik, Iceland
Looking to take advantage of the stunning — and now seriously popular among tourists — baths of Iceland?
Especially if you want to land in a judgment-free environment where people are likely to invite you out after a long, relaxing dip in the pool?
There’s no better place to head than Reykjavik.
Iceland is one of the best places to travel solo because it’s incredibly safe, thanks especially to the country’s small population of under one million residents.
If you’re interested in getting more in touch with nature, we highly recommend that you walk the stunning Golden Circle trail. You’ll likely even be able to spot the Northern Lights — an experience you’ll never forget.
Perfect for those who aren’t afraid to journey off the beaten path, and who are looking for some self-reflective moments in nature.
2. Ljubljana, Slovenia
If you’re on the hunt for some of the best places to travel alone — but still want a condensed version of a big city experience?
Look no further than the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana.
You’ll love snapping your next profile picture on the famous Dragon Bridge in the old town. You can walk across the bridge to find yourself surrounded by local markets, lively music, and countless dining options.
This is especially perfect for university students, as Ljubljana offers unforgettable nightclub and bar experiences for low prices.
Be sure that you also take the time to visit the city’s major landmark: the famous Franciscan Church of the Annunciation in Preseren Square. With its trademark bright pink hue, it’s certainly hard to miss!
We suggest closing out your trip with a hike up the ancient Ljubljana Castle, where you can take in a bit of history along with the city views.
3. New York, New York
Gone are the crime-ridden days of New York City’s gritty, somewhat frightening past.
Now, you’re much more likely to run into a group of New Yorkers commiserating over train delays than winding up in the middle of a knife fight.
That doesn’t mean that the city has lost its character, however — just that it’s one of the best places for solo travel these days.
You can visit the Statue of Liberty (sign up for a group tour to make fast friends) visit the old site of punk rock music hall CBGB, or even just head to Time’s Square for an obligatory picture. (You should know, though, that true New Yorkers avoid Times Square like the plague.)
We also suggest taking advantage of some of the wacky, off-Broadway shows at places like Ars Nova and the Public Theatre. While Broadway is great, its ticket prices — and Disney-infested offerings — are prohibitive to many.
Of course, no solo trip to NYC is complete without shopping. Head to the iconic Bergdorf Goodman store on Fifth Avenue for more of a luxury feel, or hit Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to scoop up the vintage scene and meet local designers.
4. Graz, Austria
Are you looking for one of the best places to travel alone — that no one else knows about?
Once dubbed “Vienna’s cooler little sister,” Graz, located in the Styrian region of Austria, is an artistic hub filled with some seriously good food.
It’s also the perfect stopping point for those who need a central area to continue the European leg of their solo tour. It’s just a quick bus or train trip from Croatia, Slovakia and Slovenia, Serbia, and Bosnia.
Graz is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning that it’s one of the most beautiful places in Europe — and preserved like it would look hundreds of years ago.
It’s a huge community for visual artists and sculptors, many of whom congregate in the center city park to exchange ideas (and drink Austrian wine.)
We also suggest taking a day trip to Hallstatt, where you can visit the famous Beinhaus Ossuary to see painted skulls, listen to local music, and relax by the river.
5. Sarajevo, Bosnia
If you still think of Bosnia as a war-torn country, think again.
Sarajevo has quickly become one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers from around the globe.
It has fabulous shopping, some highly addictive coffee, and, recently, a booming literary scene.
You can’t miss out on the Olympic Museum — but watch out for the landmines that still dominate some of the landscape.
Plus, since parts of Sarajevo are still being rebuilt, there are many different tour groups that can take you on day trips.
It’s an awesome way to get to know the locals and your fellow solo travelers alike.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the war, we strongly suggest paying your respects at the newly-opened Srebrenica Memorial Museum.
6. Buenos Aires, Argentina
If you’re ready to head down south, then there are few better places for solo travel than beautiful Buenos Aires.
Start off your trip by walking around the stunning Plaza de Mayo to get a feel for the unique architecture of the city. You’ll even be able to spot the famous obelisk, which is something to check off your travel bucket list for sure.
Be sure to book your tour well in advance for the presidential palace, the Casa Rosada.
Close out your trip by chowing down on an awesome meal in the iconic La Boca neighborhood. We highly suggest coming as hungry as is possible to fill up on everything in sight.
Just make sure that you don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes — and be ready to chat with the ultra-friendly locals!
7. Cape Town, South Africa
Looking to relax by the beach, eat some of the best oysters of your life, and surround yourself with a rich history all at the same time?
If so, then it already sounds like the stunning Cape Town, South Africa, is your dream solo destination.
If you’re up for a hike, we suggest making the trek up the world famous Table Mountain. Don’t worry, though — if you’re on the less athletic side of things, there’s a lift that can take you to the top.
Don’t miss out on the fabulous Boulders Beach, which is actually famous for its penguins! You’ll be able to take snapshots of penguins lounging and playing on the sandy beaches.
Cape Town is also especially beloved for its scenic views of the Cape of Good Hope. Go as early as possible, as it does get swarmed with tourists in the afternoons. You’ll have the perfect photo opportunity for your Christmas card.
Just don’t forget to bring your selfie stick!
Close out your trip with an important journey to Robben Island, where prisoners such as Nelson Mandela were held for years. The tour lasts about a day and serves as a valuable and harrowing history for visitors from around the world.
Of course, in countries like South Africa, staying safe is a priority, especially for female travelers.
Check out this blog for travel inspiration, as well as for advice on how to keep your wits about you when you’re on the go.
The Best Places to Travel Alone: What Else you Need to Know
Thanks to this post, you’re essentially already a world traveler in your own right!
Of course, before you sell off half of your belongings and max out your credit cards on plane tickets, you need to make sure you have what it takes to handle life as a solo traveler.
If you want to master the best places to travel alone, you’ll need to be resourceful, fearless, and ready to immerse yourself in the local culture of wherever you are.
We can help you to get there.
Spend some more time on our website and blog for travel hacks, how-tos, and a whole lot more.
